Swimming pools are an enjoyable way to beat the heat and get some exercise, but they can also be dangerous if proper safety precautions are not taken. A proper fence is one of the most essential safety measures for any swimming pool. Here's why:

• PREVENTING ACCIDENTS

A swimming pool can be dangerous if it's not adequately secured. According to the CDC,

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of one and four. In fact, for every child who drowns, five more are treated for submersion injuries, which can result in brain damage, long-term disabilities, and other serious health problems.

Having a fence around your pool can help prevent accidents by keeping unsupervised children and pets from accessing the pool area.

• COMPLYING WITH LOCAL LAWS & REGULATIONS

Many states and municipalities have specific laws and regulations regarding swimming pool safety, and these laws can vary widely depending on where you live. Some states may require a fence of a certain height, while others may require additional safety features such as pool covers or alarms. Your pool contractor should know the fence regulations for your area but that shouldn’t stop you from doing your own research to make sure that your fence is in compliance. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines or legal action, as well as putting your family and neighbors at risk.

• PROTECTING LIABILITY

If someone were to access your pool without permission and suffer an injury or drowning, you could be held liable for their injuries. Having a fence around your pool can help protect you from liability in such situations by providing a clear barrier that indicates that the pool area is private and not open to the public.

• CHOOSING THE RIGHT FENCE

When selecting a fence for your pool, there are a number of factors to consider. First and foremost, the fence should be sturdy and able to withstand the elements, as well as being difficult to climb. Ideally, it should be at least four feet high, although some states may require a higher fence depending on the size of the pool and the age of the children in the area. The gate should be self-closing and self-latching, with a latch that is out of reach of children.

• POOL ALARMS & COVERS

In addition to the fence itself, there are a number of other safety features that you may want to consider, such as pool alarms or pool covers. A pool alarm can detect when someone enters the pool area and alert you to the danger, while a pool cover can prevent accidental falls into the water when the pool is not in use.

For more information about pool safety and to learn more about the sources that helped support this article, refer to these websites:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Unintentional Drowning: Get the Facts. https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/water-safety/waterinjuries-factsheet.html

National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). Swimming Pool Barrier Requirements. https://www.ncsl.org/research/financial-services-and-commerce/swimming-pool-barrier-requirements.aspx

Pool Safety Council. (2021). Pool Safety Guidelines. https://poolsafetycouncil.org/pool-safety-guidelines/

American Red Cross. (2021). Home Pool Safety. https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/home-pool-safety.html